Blanket flower (Gaillardia 'Tokajer')
Brilliant Gaillardia 'Tokajer' Blanket flower offers a long bloom of orange rays and raspberry cones. Low maintenance! Zones 3-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ Blanket flower is celebrated for its exceptional summer performance, providing continuous color from late spring through early fall. This herbaceous perennial features large, solitary, daisy-like flowers distinguished by striking rusty orange rays that contrast beautifully with their raspberry-colored central cones. As a low-maintenance choice, Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ brings reliable vibrancy to sunny garden spaces.
Originating from the prairie and hillside landscapes of North and South America, this selection brings that rugged durability into modern gardens. It offers excellent heat tolerance and thrives in conditions that might wilt less tolerant species. Gardeners particularly value the long bloom sequence of the Blanket flower, making it a cornerstone for sustained seasonal interest.
Once established, Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ asks for very little attention, thriving in full sun and tolerating dry spells gracefully. Its bright, showy presence makes it perfect for filling borders or large containers. Choosing Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ ensures a dynamic, colorful display with minimal input required throughout the growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Orange rays with raspberry cone
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ in the spring or fall after the danger of hard frost has passed. These plants prefer average, well-drained soils and absolutely require full sun exposure to maintain compact growth and prolific blooming. While they thrive in organically rich, moist soils that drain well, they are notably tolerant of poorer soils and somewhat dry conditions once they become established.
Watering should be consistent until the Blanket flower is newly established. After establishment, their water needs drop significantly, preferring dry to medium conditions; overwatering, especially in heavy clay, can lead to root rot. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as rich soil can encourage excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Maintenance for Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ is minimal. Deadheading spent flowers is often recommended to encourage reblooming, although this specific cultivar is noted to flower continuously even without routine deadheading. If the plant begins to look leggy mid-season, a strategic trim back to basal growth can revitalize its appearance and encourage fresh flowering until fall.
Landscape Uses
The robust color palette and upright habit of Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ make it extremely versatile in landscape design. It performs admirably in traditional perennial borders, offering continuous visual excitement where shorter spring bloomers have faded. Due to its tolerance for heat and dryness, it is an excellent plant for sunny cottage gardens, providing a relaxed, informal splash of orange and raspberry.
Because the blooms are excellent for cutting, place groups of Blanket flower near cutting gardens or pathways for easy access. Furthermore, its requirement for full sun pairs perfectly with other drought sufferers like Sedum, Rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses, creating dynamic, water-wise mass plantings that attract pollinators.
For high-impact seasonal displays, Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ fills large patio containers exceptionally well. Combine the bronze and orange tones with contrasting silver foliage plants or deep purple annuals to create stunning summer arrangements that require little supplemental water once mature.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
Noteworthy Characteristics
Gaillardia is a genus of about 30 species of annuals, perennials and biennials found in West, Central and South America, typically inhabiting open sunny prairies and hillsides and grown for their brilliant flowers. ‘Tokajer’ typically grows 2-3’ tall and features large, daisy-like solitary flowers (3-4” diameter) with bright rusty orange rays and raspberry cones which appear on erect but often sprawling stems. This Blanket flower offers a long summer bloom period, supported by narrow, lance-shaped, gray-green basal leaves.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
Root rot is a primary concern for Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ if planted in heavy, poorly drained soils, particularly when subjected to prolonged, heavy summer rains. Fungal issues often appear in humid conditions; watch for powdery mildew and fungal leaf spot diseases. Culturally, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering late in the day. Pest issues are usually minor, though monitoring for aphids and leafminers is worthwhile, especially if the plant is stressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Blanket flower suitable for?
Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, offering wide adaptability across much of the country.
How large does Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ grow?
This variety typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Blanket flower bloom?
The prolific blooming period for Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ generally runs from May straight through September, displaying lovely orange rays with raspberry cones.
What sun exposure does Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ need?
This specific Blanket flower cultivar requires full sun exposure to produce the best flower display and maintain strong, healthy growth.
Conclusion
The ability of Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ to deliver continuous, bright color through the hottest parts of summer while demanding minimal water makes it an indispensable treasure for sunny regions. For gardeners seeking reliability and low upkeep, this low-maintenance perennial is a top contender. Check your local USDA Hardiness Zone compatibility (Zones 3-9) and plan to plant your sun-loving Blanket flower this spring for instant summer impact.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ should focus on plants that share its preference for full sun and dry to medium soil conditions. Pairing it with silver-leaved plants, such as Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or Artemisia, visually cools the hot orange tones of the Blanket flower. Spiky architectural plants like Yucca or upright ornamental grasses (e.g., Blue Fescue) provide excellent structural contrast to the mounding habit of the Gaillardia.
For continuous color cascading through the season, intersperse low-growing, drought-tolerant annuals around the base of the Gaillardia. Portulaca (Moss Rose) or trailing Lantana are excellent choices that won’t compete aggressively for nutrients or moisture. These companions help maintain visual appeal even when the Blanket flower takes a brief pause between bloom cycles.
Wildlife Benefits
The Asteraceae family is naturally highly attractive to beneficial insects, and Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ is no exception. Its large, open flower heads provide excellent landing pads brimming with nectar and pollen, making it a magnet for numerous native and honeybee species throughout the summer. Furthermore, the flower heads, if left uncleaned in the fall, offer seeds enjoyed by various small songbirds.
Planting Gaillardia ‘Tokajer’ is an active step toward supporting local pollinator populations during the intense mid-summer heat when other nectar sources may be scarce. Its long blooming window ensures a reliable food source across several months, enhancing the biodiversity of your landscape. This excellent addition to a butterfly garden contributes significantly to ecological health.
